This past week, the NFL and Google expanded their relationship, one that now includes an exclusive nine-part NFL Films virtual reality series and will give fans a “360-degree perspective of life in and around the NFL.”
After just experimenting with the technology last season, the new series will be the league’s first time producing content through the new medium. According to the NFL, it will be the first episodic sports program shot in virtual reality.
The NFL’s inaugural episode will be available on Thanksgiving Day via its YouTube channel, with future ones being accessible through the NFL VR app designed for Daydream, Google’s mobile VR offering. Currently, the videos are in production and being shot with Google’s 360-degree camera system, Jump.
Get The Latest NFL Tech News In Your Inbox!
“We are always looking for new ways to engage with our fans. Virtual reality is an emerging platform that enables content experiences with a truly unique vantage point that brings fans closer to the game,” said NFL’s Vishal Shah, Senior Vice President, Digital Media in a statement. “It’s an exciting new medium to explore as we look to evolve and grow our offerings, and this partnership with Google is an important step in that direction.”
The first episode will give viewers an inside look at the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line as it prepares for its upcoming game while future episodes will take fans inside the culture of Green Bay, highlight the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders and offer an exclusive look at the San Diego Chargers organization.
“This series will give fans an opportunity to connect with the NFL like never before, whether they are on YouTube or using Google’s virtual reality headset, Daydream View,” said Amit Singh, Vice President, Google VR in a statement. “We’re thrilled to work with the NFL to capture the series with Jump and bring it to YouTube and Daydream.”